Donald Trump and the Veterans

Dec. 5, 2016

To the Editor:

As a Vietnam veteran, I was indeed puzzled by Donald Trump’s heavy support from veterans and their families. After all, the belittling of John McCain’s P.O.W. ordeal, the disparagement of the Khan family (whose son was killed in combat), the “heel spur” exemption from the draft and the puerile acceptance of a Purple Heart medal as a gift from a veteran: Were these not enough to rankle others like me who served in combat?

Since the election, I have been searching for answers. J. D. Vance (“Why Trump Won the Troops,” Op-Ed, Nov. 25) provides many cogent demographic explanations. There may be others, like a reluctance to accept a woman, Hillary Clinton, as commander in chief.

This has sure been a lesson to me.

FRANK J. SCARPA

Naples, Fla.

To the Editor:

While only a small number of Americans volunteer for military service, J. D. Vance correctly points out that those who do are drawn disproportionately from what we now recognize as the Trump demographic.

The liberal elite, more and more isolated from the reality of service, has lost the opportunity to contribute its views and values to military culture, and to the veterans’ community.

The country is best served by a military reflective of its entire citizenry. To accomplish this, more young millennials must emerge from their “safe spaces,” raise their right hands and invest a few years not only protecting their country, but also contributing their own virtues to our military tradition.